If you’re a sci-fi writer with a powerful story and a bold imagination, there’s no better place to publish than Asimov’s Science Fiction.
It’s the magazine where George R. R. Martin’s Daenerys Targaryen first appeared, where Octavia E. Butler’s award-winning fiction found its home — and where countless writers launched serious, lasting careers.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to submit your work to Asimov’s: what they publish, how much they pay, who they accept, and how you can get your foot in the door.
Let’s get started.
What is Asimov’s Science Fiction?
Asimov’s Science Fiction is one of the most iconic and influential sci-fi magazines in the world.
Launched in 1977 by Joel Davis with the blessing of Isaac Asimov himself, the magazine was originally called Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine.
It quickly gained traction with readers and evolved from a quarterly to a bi-monthly, and eventually a monthly publication.
Today, it comes out six times a year in rich, double issues of around 208 pages each.
Asimov’s has consistently championed serious, literary science fiction — the kind that blends imaginative settings with deep character development and philosophical exploration.
It has played a vital role in shaping modern speculative fiction, serving as the launchpad for writers like:
- George R. R. Martin
- Octavia E. Butler
- Kim Stanley Robinson
- Jonathan Lethem
- Kelly Link
Over the decades, the magazine has won more Hugo and Nebula Awards than any other sci-fi publication.
It has also been recognized with multiple Locus Awards, World Fantasy Awards, Sidewise Awards, and Sturgeon Awards.
Its influence is not just historical — it’s still at the forefront today.
Currently edited by Sheila Williams, who’s been part of the editorial team since 1982 and took the helm in 2005, Asimov’s remains a gold standard for readers and writers of thoughtful, human-centered science fiction.
What kind of content do they accept?
Asimov’s is primarily focused on science fiction, but they also welcome some borderline fantasy, surreal, and slipstream fiction.
That said, their primary interest is in character-driven stories with emotional or philosophical depth.
Here’s a breakdown of what they publish:
- Science fiction (main focus)
- Borderline fantasy and surreal fiction
- Short stories (1,000 to 20,000 words — sweet spot under 7,500 words)
- Poetry (up to 40 lines)
They do not accept:
- Sword & sorcery
- Explicit violence or sex
- Reprints or simultaneous submissions
- AI-generated or AI-assisted submissions
They’re looking for serious, thoughtful, and accessible writing that explores the human experience against the vast backdrop of science fiction.
What are their writing guidelines?
- Original, unpublished work only
- No simultaneous submissions (only submit to Asimov’s at a time)
- Standard manuscript formatting (.DOC, .DOCX, or .RTF)
- Include story word count in the upper-right corner of the manuscript
- Optional cover letter (mention story length and publication history)
- Poetry must be submitted separately, one poem per form
They have a strict policy against the use of AI writing tools (like ChatGPT). Any submission suspected of being written or assisted by AI may lead to a permanent ban.
Who can write for them?
Anyone.
You don’t need an agent, a degree, or a list of prior publications.
Asimov’s regularly publishes new and emerging writers — some of their best stories have come from first-time authors.
How much do they pay?
Asimov’s pays professional rates for both fiction and poetry.
Here’s a breakdown of their pay structure:
| Type of Submission | Rate | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Short Stories (<7,500 words) | 8–10 cents per word | $600–$750 |
| Long Stories (up to 20,000 words) | 8 cents per word after 7,500 words | $600–$750 (for first 7,500 words) + up to $1,000 extra for longer lengths |
| Poetry (up to 40 lines) | $1 per line | Up to $40 |
They do not serialize novels and rarely accept stories under 1,000 words or over 20,000 words.
Asimov’s buys First English Language Serial Rights.
This means they get to publish your work first in English.
After it appears in the magazine, all other rights revert back to you — so you’re free to republish it in anthologies, collections, or pursue adaptations.
Note:
You do not get paid just for submitting.
You get paid if your piece is accepted and published.
Why should I write for them?
Asimov’s is one of the most respected science fiction magazines in the world.
Getting published here means more than just adding a byline — it signals that your work stands out in a highly competitive genre.
The magazine has helped launch the careers of many award-winning authors.
Whether you’re just starting out or already have a few publications under your belt, having a story in Asimov’s can open doors.
The pay is competitive, the editorial team is experienced, and the readership includes serious fans, editors, and award committees.
You’re not just publishing a story — you’re joining a legacy.
Best of all, Asimov’s welcomes thoughtful, surreal, and emotionally rich work.
They’re looking for fiction that digs into what it means to be human — stories that resonate, reflect, and maybe even disturb in quiet ways.
And with their reputation for discovering and nurturing new voices, even first-time writers have a shot at being seen, remembered, and rewarded.
How do I get started?
First, read a few recent issues to get a feel for the tone and quality they expect. You can explore current and back issues at their website or look for copies at libraries and bookstores.
When you’re ready:
- Prepare your manuscript in proper format
- Submit through their Online Submissions System (no email submissions accepted)
- Include an optional cover letter with story title, word count, and your publication history
After submission, you’ll receive a tracking number.
Use this to check the status of your piece.
If you don’t get a confirmation email within 24 hours, you can follow up by email.
Average response time: ~5 weeks
Before you submit:
Paid writing opportunities like these are limited — and they exist because editors are still willing to accept unsolicited submissions from writers around the world. To help keep these opportunities open, don’t submit AI-generated content or low-effort work clearly intended as spam. It wastes the editors’ time and takes away chances from real writers who care about the craft. Respect the opportunity. Respect the process. And respect the people reading your work.
Ready to submit your story?
Head over to their website to get started.
Final thoughts
Writing for Asimov’s Science Fiction is more than just a chance to earn money or add a prestigious byline to your portfolio.
It’s an opportunity to contribute to a publication that has shaped the genre for nearly fifty years and continues to define the frontier of speculative storytelling.
This is a space where originality, emotional depth, and philosophical weight are not only welcomed — they’re expected.
If your work explores the human condition through strange, thoughtful, or surreal lenses, you’ll be in good company.
You don’t need to be famous.
You don’t need an agent.
All you need is a powerful story, written well and submitted with care.
Asimov’s has a long history of discovering fresh voices and elevating them to the world stage.
So if you’re serious about writing science fiction — the kind that lingers long after the last page — then step forward.
Asimov’s might just be the place where your next breakthrough begins.
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